The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on November 3, 2016, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Semi-phonetic spelling and slashing, ominous art add powerful notes of anxiety and otherness to this eerie psychodrama. “I yoosed to hav a familee, a home,” writes young Ben, but now that “the seasons are topsee-turvee” and “nothing is rite,” he huddles in a basement, creeping up the stairs only when he runs out of water. He does find some comfort with his older neighbor Mussus Radinski, even though she refuses to acknowledge the “Woolvs” outside. These are not common wolves, but an undefined, hovering threat that is edging ever closer. It’s her disappearance that, at last, gives Ben the stomach to stand back up, screw his courage to the sticking place and go out in search. “Joyn me,” he urges. Using colors that suggest shadows and burning, Spudvilas creates a scary, depopulated urban setting heavy with unspecific threat. But Ben does defy his fears at the end, and similarly beleaguered children may be inspired to follow his example. Provocative reading. (Picture book. 10-12)

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